Moving to another country is the perfect time to look at your belongings and decide what you really want to take with you. A minimalist approach to moving not only makes the logistics easier, but also saves time, money and stress. In this article, we suggest how to organise your move without unnecessary baggage and focus on the essentials.
Why go for minimalism when moving house?
Minimalism in moving is not only a matter of saving money, but also of convenience. Less stuff means:
- Lower transport costs – smaller shipments by volume and weight are cheaper.
- Less customs paperwork – reducing the number of items simplifies customs clearance and reduces the risk of customs fees.
- More freedom and flexibility – less stuff means fewer commitments and more space for new experiences.
- Less stress – simplifying the packing and unpacking process helps to reduce the stress of moving house.
How do you start reducing things?
- Browse systematically
Divide things into categories: clothes, white goods, documents, memorabilia, books, etc. Work in stages so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Start with the easiest categories, such as clothes, and leave items of sentimental value for last.
- Ask yourself questions
Have you used this item in the last year? Does it have emotional or practical value? Can you easily buy it locally? Will it be expensive or problematic to transport?
- Prioritise
Focus on items that are essential or difficult to obtain in the new country. Everyday items and personal belongings should be a priority.
Practical tips for a minimalist move
- Digitisation of documents
Scan important documents and store them in secure clouds or on external drives. Take originals only when absolutely necessary.
- Multifunctional clothing
Choose clothes that can be combined in different styles. Opt for quality instead of quantity. Avoid packing things you haven’t worn in a long time
- Get rid of big furniture
Consider selling or donating furniture that is difficult to transport. Many countries offer furnished rental options, which can reduce the need to transport large items.
- Limit the number of souvenirs
Keep only those that have special meaning for you. You can photograph the rest to keep the memories without taking up space.
- Avoid duplication
Don’t take many similar items, such as several sets of pots or an excess of tools. Choose the most functional ones.
What to do with the things that remain?
- Sale or donation
Hold a garage sale, sell items online or donate them to charity. This will not only help reduce the amount of Sale or donation, but can also bring in additional funds.
- Storage
If you don’t want to get rid of everything, you can rent a storage unit or ask your family to store your belongings. Remember, however, that it should be items you intend to return to.
- Recycling
Donate your unusable items to recycling points. It’s an eco-friendly solution that will reduce your carbon footprint.
How to pack minimally but efficiently?
- Choose the right suitcases and boxes
Use lightweight but sturdy packaging. Pack things to use every available space, e.g. put socks inside shoes.
- Mark packages
Describe parcels by category and priority to easily find the items you need. Use coloured tape or labels for better organisation.
- Rolling packaging
Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and reduces creases. This technique is particularly effective for everyday clothes.
- Minimising cosmetics and cleaning products
Take only essential toiletries in smaller packs. Most things can be bought locally.
The benefits of minimalism after a move
The minimalist approach doesn’t end with moving house. Less stuff means simpler organisation in your new home, less cleaning and more freedom. A new environment is conducive to maintaining minimalism and focusing on what is really important. In addition, minimalism can help you manage your finances better and reduce the stress of excess items.
Minimalism in moving
Minimalism in international relocation is a practical approach that makes the change of country easier and allows you to focus on the most important aspects of life. Reducing the number of things is a step towards a simpler, more organised and less stressful life in a new place. Remember that less stuff means more space for new experiences and the ability to adapt to a new environment more easily.
